For almost three years, a group of kids has raised almost $60,000 to play in a soccer tournament this weekend in Las Vegas. Just days before the tournament, two-thirds of the money they raised along with their coach disappeared. One father in particular feels passionately about the team and what’s happened. “These kids, nine and 10-year-old kids, for the last two-and-a-half years have done hundreds of bottle drives and sold thousands of boxes of World’s Finest chocolates. We’ve done pub nights. We’ve done all these things.”
The team was set to play in the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase from Feb. 15-17. The game was a chance for the kids to prove themselves, with lots of scouts attending. The team of 20 boys as well as around 25 family members were all set to fly to Vegas tomorrow. Some had also already booked non-refundable rental cars and other activities.
A week before the flight, it was discovered that the account was missing just under $40,000 of the $60,000 they had raised. The team has launched a GoFundMe in hopes to salvage the trip. The community has showed outstanding support and they’ve almost reached their $50,000 goal. Also, the president of the Mayor’s Cup waived the fee for next year for the team.
Greta Bar in Edmonton is holding a fundraiser on Monday for the team. They’re putting on a Family Day event from noon till 5 p.m. The event will consist of face painting, gaming in their arcade, food, and more. Tickets are $30 and most of the proceeds will be donated to the team.
